Metomax (Metoclopramide Hydrochloride And Paracetamol)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Metomax Used For?
Metomax is a combination medication that contains two active ingredients working together to treat migraine symptoms effectively.
Primary Uses
Metomax is specifically used for the relief of headache, nausea, and vomiting associated with migraine attacks.
How It Works
Metoclopramide helps control nausea and vomiting by blocking the action of chemicals in the brain that cause these symptoms. It also increases muscle contractions in the stomach and upper intestine. Paracetamol is an analgesic that provides effective temporary relief from pain, particularly headaches.
Best Results: Take Metomax at the first sign of a migraine attack for optimal effectiveness.
How to Take Metomax
Metomax should be taken as soon as you notice the first signs of a migraine attack for best results.
Dosage Instructions
Adults: Take 1 to 2 capsules initially, then 1-2 capsules every 4 hours as needed. Do not take more than 6 capsules in 24 hours. Swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water. Do not take for longer than 48 hours at a time unless advised by a doctor.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If symptoms persist, take your next dose when you are meant to. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose, as this may increase the chance of unwanted side effects.
Important: Never take more than 6 capsules in 24 hours and avoid taking double doses to catch up.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Restlessness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Bowel upsets
- Trouble sleeping
- Upset stomach
- Jaundice (yellowing of eyes or skin)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Anxiety, depression, or agitation
- Repeated movements of arms, legs, eyes, mouth, tongue, face, and jaw (tardive dyskinesia)
- Metabolic acidosis symptoms (breathing difficulties, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting)
- Allergic reactions (skin rash, swelling, breathing difficulties)
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (high fever, high blood pressure, muscle stiffness, convulsions)
- Facial muscle spasms, lockjaw, slurred speech, involuntary eye movements
- Parkinson’s-like symptoms (tremors, rigidity, movement problems)
- Severe drowsiness or sleepiness
- Bluish skin coloration (methaemoglobinaemia)
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Metomax should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Metomax
Do not take if you have: porphyria, stomach/chest/leg/back pain, bleeding from stomach/digestive tract, intestinal blockage, recent stomach/digestive surgery, phaeochromocytoma (rare adrenal gland tumor), epilepsy, or allergies to metoclopramide or paracetamol. Do not give to children under 18 years.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: epilepsy (metoclopramide may increase seizure risk), breast cancer, liver or kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, or previous uncontrollable movements after taking metoclopramide or similar medications. Also inform about planned surgery, severe illness, kidney problems, sepsis, malnutrition, chronic alcoholism, or if taking flucloxacillin.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Metomax if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The medication may affect the developing baby and passes into breast milk, potentially affecting the breastfed infant.
Metabolic Acidosis Risk: Patients with severe illness, kidney problems, sepsis, malnutrition, chronic alcoholism, or taking flucloxacillin may develop serious metabolic acidosis. Watch for breathing difficulties, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interact with Metomax and affect how it works or increase side effect risks.
Paracetamol Limit: Do not exceed 4g of paracetamol in any 24-hour period from all sources combined.
- Blood clot prevention medicines
- Epilepsy medications
- Pain relievers (codeine, morphine)
- Travel sickness, hay fever, allergy medications
- Stomach cramp treatments
- Cough and cold preparations
- Anxiety and sleep medications
- Mental health medications (schizophrenia treatments)
- Tetracycline antibiotics
- Levodopa (Parkinson’s treatment)
- Digoxin (heart failure treatment)
- Flucloxacillin antibiotic
- Other paracetamol-containing products
Alcohol & Driving
Metomax can affect your ability to drive safely and should not be combined with alcohol.
Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Metomax. Combining alcohol with this medication can increase drowsiness and sleepiness.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Metomax affects you. The medication may cause drowsiness, tiredness, or dizziness. If these occur, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that could be dangerous.
Storage
Store Metomax capsules in their original container in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight where the temperature stays below 25°C. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has taken too much Metomax, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning, as there is a risk of delayed, serious liver damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Metomax is not intended for long-term use. Do not take it for longer than 48 hours at a time unless advised by a doctor.
Take Metomax at the first sign of a migraine attack for optimal effectiveness.
Do not take Metomax with other paracetamol-containing products unless advised by a doctor or pharmacist. No more than 4g of paracetamol should be taken in any 24-hour period.
If symptoms persist, take your next dose when you are meant to. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose, as this may increase unwanted side effects.
No, avoid drinking alcohol while taking Metomax. Combining alcohol with this medication can increase drowsiness and sleepiness.
No, do not take Metomax if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. It may affect the developing baby and passes into breast milk.
Seek urgent medical attention immediately by calling the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contacting your doctor, or going to the nearest hospital Emergency Department. There is a risk of delayed, serious liver damage even without immediate symptoms.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.